Risks from Immediate Bilateral Reconstruction

Does immediate bilateral reconstruction poise additional risks for a smoker?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by 8534anon in Edison, NJ

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Immediate Breast Reconstruction in a Smoker

I would recommend delaying your reconstruction until you can be off cigarettes for 2 weeks before surgery and 4 weeks after surgery. Breast Reconstruction is elective surgery. As your surgeon, I have the duty to provide you with the safest procedure with minimal risk and downtime. Active smoking carries too high a risk to consider immediate reconstruction. Consult with your primary care physician to determine the optimal smoking cessation aid for you. I... more

Risks from immediate bilateral reconstruction

Yes smokers have a higher statistical risks of skin necrosis and infection. You should discuss in detail with the reconstructive surgeon so you are informed. From MIAMI DR. B

Smoking GREATLY increases Complications of Immediate Breast Reconstruction

Smoking, either first or second degree, is associated with a decreased amount of blood flow through the skin. Immediate breast reconstruction in smokers has a significant rate of complications which could be otherwise decreased or avoided.

Breast reconstruction and smoker

Smoking increases the complication rate of surgery in some studies by more than 50% as compared to the non-smoking population. I would stop smoking first.

Steven Wallach, MD

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Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Smooking and surgery

There is a risk of wound healing with or without immediate breast reconstruction. The degree of risk varies with the method of reconstruction. I would not do an immediate breast reconstruction on a smooker. Skin flaps can die, Flaps can die. WHY TAKE THE RISK????????????????????????//